BA says it has received a similar proposition. "We're looking at it," says a source at the carrier familiar with the situation, but adds that the carrier has yet to make a final decision.

Once delivered, the BA aircraft - configured with 469 seats - will be deployed on short-haul routes for training. The carrier has already disclosed that Los Angeles and Hong Kong will be among the first long-haul destinations for the jet, with A380 services starting to these cities in October-November.